Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy admits to being ‘confused’ by Ralf Rangnick’s public statements on Paul Pogba, saying that the French international’s recall to the first team might be counter-productive to the harmony of squad spirit.
McIlroy, who played for United for 13 years, praised Rangnick’s intervention at Brentford on Wednesday as United recovered from an abysmal opening period to win 3-1.
“Ralf definitely earned his money at half-time,” McIlroy said, speaking exclusively to TalkOfTheDevils. “I don’t think anyone would have complained if we’d been 2-0 down at half-time based on the balance of play – obviously De Gea kept us in it, as he has done many times. But the manager must have said something at the break because we came out looking like a completely different team. Bruno seemed to be pushed further forward and we got a reward for an improved performance.”
“The pressure is definitely on United at the moment. They need to pick up results and you can see how much scrutiny they’re under when they come out and play as well as they did in the second half and everyone is still talking about how poor they were in the first. They’re getting slaughtered for that despite winning and I’m sure that will have surprised Rangnick.”
McIlroy backed the change in system which seems to have contributed to improved performances – and reserved special praise for Diogo Dalot.
“The 4-3-3 seems better for us than the 4-2-2-2,” he says. “That system asks a lot from full-backs to become wing-backs, and there are questions to be asked there, even if Dalot seems to have done well – he was excellent at Brentford. It was one of the best games I’ve seen him play for the club.”
Rangnick raised eyebrows by commenting on Paul Pogba’s return to training – saying the midfielder would have a chance to play, going on to express he had no concerns about his commitment despite his contract nearing the end following four years of Mino Raiola’s transparent attempts to move on his client. McIlroy feels this could be a conflict the manager doesn’t need.
“I have to admit I’m a bit confused by the Pogba situation, hearing Rangnick come out and say that he will still play a big part,” says the former Northern Ireland manager. “I couldn’t have imagined this would have happened when I was playing. Pogba, when he’s in form, is world class. There’s no doubt about that. But if his heart isn’t in the club… I can understand a manager wanting to play his best players but it’s about tomorrow as much as today. What will the supporters think of watching a player trying to earn a contract elsewhere? What will the other players be thinking – those who have a long-term commitment to the club? Will they be happy to see their place in the team go to him?”
“It’s obviously a tricky situation and if Pogba comes in and plays well in a run of games United win, then you can say the right decision has been made. It has the potential to create even more unrest, though, and that’s the last thing the club needs at this moment in time. What they need is a togetherness to get results. “
United face West Ham tomorrow in a crucial game in the Champions League positions race. McIlroy believes it’s one his old club need all three points from. “The West Ham game is another high pressure match because of how well they’ve done. And because of where they are in the table, a draw’s no good, United need to win.”